Preparation for Activity

Think about how you might use items from the story basket as props. Place these items nearby, where you can reach them as you tell the story.

Description of Activity

Tell the group that this story is about something that really happened in 1959. You might want to tell them how many years ago this was, to make the date more real to them. You can tell them that while it certainly did happen, some people say there were 20 cats and others say there were many thousands of cats.

Before you begin, look around the room and make eye contact with each person. Read or tell the story.

Ring the chime (use other sound instrument) to indicate that the story is over. Pause for a moment. Then help the group briefly discuss the story to make sure they understand it and to allow it to resonate. Allow personal experience comments about things such as children's pet cats, previous air travel, or knowledge about malaria, DDT, mosquitoes or rats.

Including All Participants

There are children for whom it is very difficult to sit still, even when they are paying attention to what is happening around them. This can be frustrating for teachers, as well as for the children who are expected to maintain stillness for prolonged periods of time. If you have children in the group for whom this is the case, consider adopting the use of "fidget objects" as described in Leader Resources. These fidget objects can provide a non-disruptive outlet for the need to move.